Nutritionist II

DEFINITION:Identifies needs and plans, develops and implements a program of technical, educational, and consultative services in the field of nutrition for a target population defined either by geographical area or by the goals of a specialized health care project or program.

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:Positions allocable to this class work under the general administrative direction of a physician or a member of departmental management such as an assistant program deputy or an occupational health education coordinator. Positions in Health Services also receive technical direction from the Nutrition Program Assistant Coordinator, Community Health. Nutritionists II initiate and conduct studies and surveys and analyze data on the diet patterns and the incidence and severity of medical problems identified with inadequate nutrition of a specific population group. Incumbents serve at the journey level and independently plan, develop, and implement specific programs to meet nutritional needs in order to reduce the incidence and severity of medical problems such as hypertension, heart disease, obesity, high-risk pregnancy and anemia. Incumbents are distinguished from Nutritionists I by their responsibility for consulting with physicians, nurses, and other health team members on matters of nutrition to enable them to assess nutritional status and provide the individual or group counsel necessary for the successful implementation of nutrition program. Incumbents may serve in a lead capacity over Nutritionists I, Home Economists, and community workers in the performance of tasks necessary to nutrition program implementation, and recruit or train volunteers and other community organization members to provide preventive nutrition counseling to individuals or groups. Nutritionists II may plan fieldwork experiences for graduate students in nutrition.

Essential Job Functions

Identifies needs and plans, develops and implements a program of technical, educational, consultative services in the field of nutrition for a specific segment of the County population of various age groups to provide improved health and the prevention of disease.

Plans and conducts surveys and studies of the nutritional needs of a specific community or designated group considering such factors as age, sex, cultural-dietary patterns, disability, socioeconomic level, and other factors affecting nutrition practices in order to identify the health problems which may be prevented or corrected by proper dietary practices.

Plans and develops a nutrition program, or the nutrition component of a medical program, for each medical problem identified, utilizing techniques such as the conduct of training sessions and the development of educational materials to educate the target group of the symptoms and dangers of diet-related disease.

Initiates and maintains contacts with community organizations, volunteer groups, and others for the purpose of offering services, and keeping abreast of existing programs to avoid duplication of services.

Recruits and trains volunteers in the techniques of preventive nutrition counseling; monitors counseling interviews and evaluates the effectiveness of volunteer personnel counseling methods and the accuracy of technical content.

Makes assignments and provides technical direction to Nutritionists I, Home Economists, community workers, and other nutrition support staff in program planning and implementation, monitoring such activities as nutrition or home economics program planning, individual and group counsel or formal instruction on basic nutrition and home economic concepts, and educational material development and distribution.

Promotes the nutrition program and related services to the target population by serving as a guest speaker before community groups, writing and arranging publication of press releases and other articles, and making personal contact with medical, nursing, and other community groups concerned with problems of nutrition.

Conducts annual inspections of local correctional or institutional facilities; evaluates and reports to sanitarian staff the quality of food services and nutritional adequacy of meals served to inmates relative to standards established by the State Department of Corrections.

Requirements

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS:

Option I: Registration as a Registered Dietitian (RD)* by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) -AND- a Master's degree** from an accredited college or university with specialization in Public Health Nutrition or a closely-related field. (Ex. Human Nutrition, Nutrition Education, or Dietetics)

Option II: Registration as a Registered Dietitian (RD)* by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) -AND- two years' paid full-time experience assisting in the planning, development, and implementation of a program of technical, educational, and consultative services in the field of nutrition for a specific community or designated group -AND- the successful completion of courses in Epidemiology, Bio statistics, and Advanced Chemistry.

LICENSE:A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

PHYSICAL CLASS:2 - Light: : Light physical effort which may include occasional light lifting to a 10 pound limit, and some bending, stooping or squatting. Considerable walking may be involved.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION:*You must attach a legible copy of the certificate or letter issued by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) with your application at the time of filing online or within fifteen (15) calendar days from application submission to semery@ph.lacounty.gov.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience in a perinatal nutrition program

Certified as a Lactation Educator (CLE)***

***You must attach a legible copy of the certification with your application at the time of filing online or within fifteen (15) calendar days from application submission to semery@ph.lacounty.gov.